Inexpensive rental options in Portugal
Affordable Rental Markets in Portugal Unveiled
In the second quarter of 2025, Portugal's rental market offers a variety of options for those seeking more affordable living spaces. According to data from idealista, several municipalities stand out as the most cost-effective for renting a house [1][2].
The Cheapest Municipalities
The five most affordable municipalities, with average rents under €750 per month, are Covilhã, Bragança, Chaves, Castelo Branco, and Figueira da Foz[1][2].
Other municipalities with lower rental costs and demand, and thus considered more affordable, include Viseu, Évora, Leiria, and Vila Franca de Xira, all of which have average rents around €1,200 per month, still cheaper than Lisbon proper [1][2][5].
The Lower End of the Spectrum
The average rent in Covilhã is the lowest among the 25 cheapest municipalities, coming in at under €750 per month [1][2]. Bragança, Chaves, and Castelo Branco follow closely, with average rents also under €750 [1][2]. Figueira da Foz has an average rent of approximately €750 or less [1][2].
Mid-Range Options
Viseu has a house rent of 8 euros/m2, making it the third cheapest in the country [1][2]. Évora is another affordable option, with an average rent likely under €800 [1][2]. Leiria and Vila Franca de Xira offer lower rents than the big cities, with average rents around €1,200, still cheaper than Lisbon city [1][2][5].
Moderately Priced Municipalities
Barreiro and Amadora have average rents of approximately €1,200 [1][2]. Torres Vedras has a house rent of 10.6 euros/m2, Viana do Castelo has a house rent of 9.2 euros/m2, and Guimarães has a house rent of 9.6 euros/m2 [1][2].
The Most Expensive: Lisbon
In contrast, Lisbon is the most expensive municipality to rent a house in Portugal, with an average house rent of 22.2 euros/m2 in the second quarter of 2025 [1][2].
Porto and Its Suburbs
Rents in the suburbs of Lisbon and Porto are higher, with average rents of €1,200 and above [1][2].
Sources:
[1] idealista - Portugal's Leading Real Estate Website [2] Statista - Portugal's House Rent Prices by Municipality [5] Numbeo - Cost of Living in Portugal
Investing in real estate presents opportunities in Portugal's affordable rental markets, particularly in municipalities like Covilhã, Bragança, Chaves, Castelo Branco, and Figueira da Foz, where average rents are under €750 per month. On the other hand, Lisbon remains the most expensive municipality, with an average house rent of 22.2 euros/m2.
